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Father of Pop-Art, Richard Hamilton, dies at 89

Today, artist Richard Hamilton, widely acknowledged as the father of pop art, has passed away at the age of 89.

Throughout the sixties, Hamilton produced a series of notable works that inspired artists including Andy Warhol and Joseph Beuys.

Up until just a few days before his passing, he was actively engaged in creating new pieces. The cause of his death remains unknown at this time.Today, friends and former colleagues have honored Hamilton, referring to his impact on the art world as ‘immeasurable.’

‘This is a very sad day for all of us, and our thoughts are with Richard’s family, especially his wife Rita and son Rod,’ stated art dealer and gallery owner Larry Gagosian.

A statement from the gallery referred to Hamilton as the ‘father of pop art,’ recognizing him as a ‘pioneering artist of unparalleled skill, invention, and lasting authority.’

‘His effect on the artists who followed him continues to be immeasurable.’

Director of London’s Tate gallery, Nicholas Serota, remarked: ‘Hamilton was greatly admired by his contemporaries, including Andy Warhol and Joseph Beuys, and he created a remarkable series of paintings, drawings, prints, and multiples that explored themes of glamour, consumption, commodities, and popular culture.’

Despite his age, Hamilton had been working just days prior on a significant museum retrospective of his work, which was set to travel to Los Angeles, Philadelphia, London, and Madrid during 2013/14.

Gagosian did not disclose the details of Hamilton’s death or its location, though he was in Britain at the time.

Hamilton’s most famous piece, the 1956 collage ‘Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing?’, is often regarded as heralding the start of the pop art movement.

Additionally, he is credited with coining the term ‘pop art’ itself in a message to architects who were considering collaborating with him on an exhibition similar to the 1956 ‘This Is Tomorrow’ show.

In remarks from 1957, which are viewed as prescient in relation to figures like Warhol and, more recently, Damien Hirst, he stated:

‘Pop art is popular designed for a mass audience, transient short term solution, expendable easily forgotten, low cost, mass produced, young aimed at youth, witty, sexy, gimmicky, glamorous, big business.’

Hamilton is frequently associated with the swinging 60s, particularly for his artwork depicting Mick Jagger and art dealer Robert Fraser in handcuffs following a drug raid.

Moreover, he designed the cover for the Beatles’ ‘White Album,’ featuring a plain white sleeve with the band’s name embossed on it.

Hamilton is remembered not only for his artistic prowess but also for his humility and sense of humor.

In a recent newspaper interview, when asked about the public’s perception of ‘Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing?’, he remarked: ‘I’m rather bored with it, but it’s a nice little earner!’

by David Livingstone

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